"Sure, leave me with the easy job," Sheehan muttered, walking up to a particular flock in a thankfully-stationary tree.

"Well, hello," he told the birds. Feeling particularly foolish, he shifted his stance. "How are you? We need your help. If you don't mind. Do you know how to find Jonathan Strange?" he muttered.

To his surprise, one of the ravens hopped onto a lower branch and tilted its head towards Sheehan.

"Captain, I think we have a volunteer," he called over his shoulder.